Hydrangeas in Arkansas

Hydrangeas are an important group of ornamental flowering shrubs that offers something
for sun or shade gardens. While most of us think of Hydrangeas as great shrubs for
the shade (e.g. Bigleaf Hydrangea and Oakleaf Hydrangea), the Panicle Hydrangea (H.
paniculata) is a great option for a sunny location.

Pruning is always a tricky question with Hydrangeas. Panicle (H. paniculata) and Smooth
Hydrangea (H. arborescens) flower on NEW wood (just like a crapemyrtle) so they can
be cut back immediately after flowering and may rebloom later in the season, or, they
can be cut back in the winter and still be expected to flower the following year.
The next group which includes Bigleaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) and Oakleaf Hydrangea
(H. quercifolia) are alleged to flower on buds that were formed the previous season.
Therefore, if you prune them in late fall to early spring, you will sacrifice that
season's flowers. If the plant requires significant pruning, do it immediately after
flowering.